APShaveCo - Etsy - Unique Knots

Just like to thank everyone for being so helpful on this thread, you're answering questions before I even get a chance to which is awesome!

Sorta surprise coming this month, new knots!


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Thanks, Matt. That is helpful.

I have the 24mm tuxedo and 24mm WD handle ordered. Any tips for mixing and applying the epoxy? I'm thinking cover the exposed top part of the handle with tape, drip in the epoxy in the handle, and plop in knot. Any reason to push it down or just a gentle touch?

Squeeze out equal parts of the resin and hardener and mix well with a toothpick or other small implement. Use the toothpick to smear a light coating all around the socket of the handle. You don't need to use a lot at all. That stuff is strong. Also, don't put any too close to the lip of the socket. You don't want it to ooze out when you put the knot in. Apply some pressure for about 5-10 seconds and let it sit for 24 hours before using and you'll be good to go.

Thanks

Thanks for being this up gregcss.

Jeff wyze0ne any recommendations for any particular epoxy.

Thanks.

Thanks for being this up gregcss.

Jeff wyze0ne any recommendations for any particular epoxy.

Thanks.

I just used the standard Ace Hardware brand stuff, nothing special. I suppose you could use marine grade if you wanted to. My brush sees heavy use and I haven't had any issues as of yet.

Thanks for being this up gregcss.

Jeff wyze0ne any recommendations for any particular epoxy.

Thanks.

I just used the standard Ace Hardware brand stuff, nothing special. I suppose you could use marine grade if you wanted to. My brush sees heavy use and I haven't had any issues as of yet.

Thanks that's what I was wondering if it was better to go marine grade or not.

@"AndrewPalombo" Andrew, that's great to hear! Please keep us posted on the new offerings.

I've been enjoying the heck out of your 30mm Tuxedo knots, and that's from a dyed in the wool badger brush user!

I have the 24mm tuxedo and 24mm WD handle ordered. Any tips for mixing and applying the epoxy? I'm thinking cover the exposed top part of the handle with tape, drip in the epoxy in the handle, and plop in knot. Any reason to push it down or just a gentle touch?

Thanks that's what I was wondering if it was better to go marine grade or not.

Jeff wyze0ne has been very helpful, and I echo what he said, but thought I’d also add my two cents and describe how I’ve set several knots.

I use Gorilla brand epoxy, but the brand doesn’t really matter, and mine isn’t marine grade, either. Once again, use equal parts of the two substances. A little goes a long way, and I think a relatively thin coat will get better results than a very thick one.

I mix the epoxy on a piece of plastic (an old lid, etc.) that I can later discard. I use a match to do the mixing, and also to spread the epoxy. However, I spread the mixed epoxy on the base of the knot itself. I put most of it on the bottom of the knot base, but also some around the bottom half of the side. It’s best to grip the hairs around their root while you’re doing this, just to keep any epoxy from getting into the bristles.

The tricky part is making sure that the knot sits straight in the handle. You’ll want your eyes to be level with the brush. Once you have pushed the knot against the bottom of the handle socket, you’ll have a few minutes to make sure the knot is aligned. I just slowly turn the handle around and see if at any point during the 360° the knot looks crooked. If it does, I’ll straighten it, then do another full 360° to make sure it’s not crooked on some other side. As Jeff said, the epoxy will take about 24 hours or so to fully set, so you will have a few minutes to make adjustments once the knot is in the handle.

Sorry if I basically repeated everything Jeff already said, but I suppose repetition is the mother of all learning. Maybe someone can now share a third version of the process?

Excited to eventually see the new knots, @"AndrewPalombo"!

Oh, one more thing. If you realize you would like more loft before setting a knot in a handle, here is a brief description of how I did it with a 30 mm Tuxedo:
https://damnfineshave.com/thread-drivenl...xedo-30-mm

The copper I used is quite heavy. There are probably lighter options out there, from lighter metals to nylon washers (the longevity of which I cannot vouch for, but if they work for years in dishwashers etc., then I would imagine they might work in a brush, too).

Thanks, Matt. I ordered the loctite epoxy kit from Whipped Dog for this. I do have gorilla epoxy at the house I used for another activity. Interesting approach to "lather" the base of the knot with glue.

Thanks Matsilainen! Very good add-on info. Especially the part about rotating the brush around to make sure it's level. I hadn't thought of that.